Electric Cars: The Basics
For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles:
Electric Cars: Benefits Of Electric Driving: Top 5
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
What Is Regenerative Braking: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Benefits Of Green Energy: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
EV Charging Cables: A Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
How Much Does It Cost To Charge An Electric Car At Home: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
Different Type Of Electric Vehicles (EVs): An Introduction
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreSign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter
The All-Electric Audi e-tron SUV
Audi AG, a Bavaria (Germany) based luxury automotive manufacturer is a wholly owned subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, the Germany automotive group. Volkswagen AG is one of the leading automotive companies in the global electric vehicle (EV) industry. Volkswagen has committed to an investment up to Euro 30 billion by 2023. It aims to sell 3 million electric vehicles by 2025 and launch up to 70 new EV models over the next 10 years.
With the launch of its electric vehicle ID. Family, VW is fast cementing a dominant position is to become the world’s largest electric vehicle manufacturer by 2028, with the automotive behemoth planning to manufacturer 22 million electric vehicles. The Audi all-electric e-tron portfolio includes:
- Audi SQ8 e-tron Sportback
- Audi SQ8 e-tron SUV
- Audi Q8 e-tron SUV
- Audi Q8 e-tron Sportback
- Audi Q4 e-tron SUV
- Audi e-tron S Sportback
- Audi e-tron S SUV
- Audi e-tron GT
- Audi e-tron SUV
- Audi e-tron Sportback
- Audi RS e-tron GT
- Audi Q4 e-tron Sportback
The Audi e-tron SUV was unveiled as a concept car in 2015 (quattro concept), at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The e-tron battery-electric vehicle (BEV) is the first mass-market zero-emission pure electric vehicle from the German automotive manufacturer. Deliveries of the EV commenced in 2019.
For those seeking an upmarket large family SUV with zero-tailpipe emissions and a familiar exterior styling, the all-electric Audi e-tron SUV is worth considering. The pure electric SUV is available in two EV battery sizes: 71.2 kWh and 95 kWh, with the larger battery size offering a marginally higher electric range.
The 71.2 kWh has a claimed zero-emission e-range up to 341 km, while the 95 kWh offers a range up to 441 km. Though the EV range is decent and suitable for most needs, it is not as impressive as some of the more recent BEV’s, that offer an electric range closer to 500 km.
Also, do keep in mind, that the real-world EV range will be lower than the quoted EV range, impacted by a number of factors. For the 71.2 kWh, a real-world range will be closer to 285 km, while for the larger EV battery, a real-world emission-free electric range will be closer to 390 km.
It is worth stressing that if the battery is ‘topped up’ on a regular basis, there will always be ample electric range available and charging times will be shorter. Also, a topping up strategy is better for the long-term maintenance of the EV battery. Audi offers a warranty up to 8 years or 160,000 km.
The EV offers DC charging up to 150 kW and can be charged from 5% to 80% in 30 minutes. The EV also offers an 11 kW AC onboard charger. Of course, most homes in Ireland are powered by single-phase and therefore we cannot take advantage of the three-phase onboard charger. Charging the EV at 7.4 kW will take up to 14 hours. For those that have access to 3-phase charging at home or workplace, the EV can be fully charged in 7 hours.
The EV is available in two drivetrain options, the e-tron 50 quattro and the e-tron 55 quattro. Despite the weight of the four-wheel drive electric SUV (2,565 kg), given the onboard EV battery, the performance is impressive. The higher specification, e-tron 55 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 5.7 seconds (maximum power: 664 Nm) and a 200 km/h top speed. The e-tron 50 can achieve 0-100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and has a 190 km/h top speed.
In terms of interior quality, equipment and technology, it reflects the premium price tag. As standard, the EV includes, the Audi intelligent MMI Navigation plus high-resolution touch displays and Audi virtual cockpit. There are also a host of driver assistance technologies as standard: 360-degree parking parking sensor, rear-view camera and lane departure warning.
In terms of practicality, given the placement of the EV battery on the floor, the boot space on offer is good (660 L). For passengers, the cabin is spacious with ample headroom and legroom, even for taller adults.
Bottom-line, electric driving is good for the environment and the wallet!
| PROS | CONS |
|---|---|
| Spacious family e-SUV with good boot size | Cheaper pure electric SUV are available |
| All-wheel drive as standard | EV range not as good as some rivals |
| DC charging up to 150 kW and 11 kW onboard charger as standard | Exterior stying may not be futuristic enough for some consumers |
Gallery
The All-Electric Audi e-tron SUV (credit: Audi)
| At A Glance | |
|---|---|
| EV Type: | Battery-Electric Vehicle (BEV) |
| Body Type: | SUV |
| Engine: | Electric |
| Available In Ireland: | Yes |
| Variants (4 Options) |
|---|
| Audi e-tron Business (from € 59,990): 50 quattro/ 55 quattro |
| Audi e-tron (from € 70,090): 50 quattro/ 55 quattro |
| Audi e-tron Advanced (from € 72,690): 50 quattro/ 55 quattro |
| Audi e-tron S line (from € 74,360): 50 quattro/ 55 quattro |
| EV Battery & Emissions | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Type: | Lithium-ion |
| EV Battery Capacity: | Available in two battery sizes: 71.2 kWh/ 95 kWh |
| Charging: | Up to 150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs) |
| Charge Port: | Type 2 |
| EV Cable Type: | Type 2 |
| Tailpipe Emissions: | 0g (CO2/km) |
| Battery Warranty: | 8 years or 160,000 km |
| Average Cost Of Residential Charging | |
|---|---|
| Battery net capacity: 16.7 kWh | € 4.00 |
| Battery net capacity: 30.0 kWh | € 7.19 |
| Battery net capacity: 39.2 kWh | € 9.39 |
| Battery net capacity: 45.0 kWh | € 10.78 |
| Battery net capacity: 50.0 kWh | € 11.98 |
| Battery net capacity: 64.0 kWh | € 15.34 |
| Battery net capacity: 71.0 kWh | € 17.01 |
| Battery net capacity: 77.0 kWh | € 18.45 |
| Battery net capacity: 90.0 kWh | € 21.57 |
| Battery net capacity: 100.0 kWh | € 23.97 |
- Note 1: The average cost of residential electricity in Ireland varies depending on the region, supplier and type of energy used. An average for Ireland is 23.97 cents/kWh.
- Note 2: Not all EV manufactures make available the data on net EV battery capacity, and in a number of instances the EV battery capacity advertised, does not state if it is gross or net capacity. In general, usable EV battery capacity is between 85% to 95% of the gross available capacity.
| Charging Times (Overview) | |
|---|---|
| Slow charging AC (3 kW – 3.6 kW): | 6 – 12 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SOC) |
| Fast charging AC (7 kW – 22 kW): | 3 – 8 hours (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging AC (43 kW): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Rapid charging DC (50 kW+): | 0-80%: 20 mins to 60 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Ultra rapid charging DC (150 kW+): | 0-80% : 20 mins to 40 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
| Tesla Supercharger (120 kW – 250 kW): | 0-80%: up to 25 mins (dependent on size of EV battery & SoC) |
- Note 1: SoC: state of charge
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Height (mm): | 1632 |
| Width (mm): | 2192 |
| Length (mm): | 4901 |
| Wheelbase (mm): | 2928 |
| Turning Circle (m): | 12.2 |
| Boot Space (L): | 660 |
| e-tron 50 quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 71.2 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 283 – 341 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 21.4 – 23.8 |
| Charging: | 120 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11 kW AC (0%-100%: 7 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 190 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 6.8 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 230 |
| Max Power (PS): | 313 |
| Torque (Nm): | 540 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,445 |
| Colours: | 12 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
| e-tron 55 quattro | |
|---|---|
| EV Battery Capacity: | 95 kWh |
| Pure Electric Range (WLTP): | 370 – 441 km |
| Electric Energy Consumption (kWh/100km): | 22.0 – 24.3 |
| Charging: | 150 kW DC charging (5%-80%: 30 mins). Onboard charger: 11kW AC (0%-100%: 9.25 hrs) |
| Top Speed: | 200 km/h |
| 0-100 km/h: | 5.7 seconds |
| Drive: | All-wheel drive (AWD) |
| Electric Motor (kW): | 300 |
| Max Power (PS): | 408 |
| Torque (Nm): | 664 |
| Transmission: | Automatic |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Unladen Weight (kg): | 2,595 |
| Colours: | 12 |
| NCAP Safety Rating: | Five-Star |
Ireland: EV Market Overview
As is the case in a number of global markets, to include the European Union and the United Kingdom, the sale of electric cars in Ireland is also fast gaining momentum. In fact, in January 2022, battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), accounted for 21% of all new cars licensed in Ireland. Put another way, more than a fifth of the cars bought in Ireland were either pure electric or a plug-in hybrid electric vehicles.
It is also worth nothing the continued decline in the sale of diesel vehicles in Ireland, as families and businesses migrate to lower tailpipe emission electric vehicles (EVs). Diesel market share has declined from 34.2% in early 2021 to 19.7% in early 2022. We can expect this trend to continue for the forseeable future.
The government has set a target of 936,000 electric vehicles by 2030, with 845,000 to be private passenger cars. This will be approximately a third of the vehicles on roads in Ireland (currently there are 2.8 million vehicles on the road). Like many other governments, Ireland is committed to ending the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) cars by 2030.
The government is committed to the rapid adoption of electric cars in the country. The Department of Transport has committed €100 million for EV subsidies in 2022 (almost double the commitment in 2021). The grant for private electric vehicles is up to €5,000 on qualifying battery-electric vehicles (BEVs). Plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs), do not qualify for the electric vehicle grant.
Ireland: Top Electric Cars
| Top Electric Cars | Type Of EV |
|---|---|
| Tesla Model 3 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Volkswagen ID.3 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Nissan Leaf | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Renault Zoe | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Volkswagen ID.4 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Hyundai IONIQ 5 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Kia e-Niro | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
| Kia EV6 | Battery-electric vehicle (BEV) |
While e-zoomed uses reasonable efforts to provide accurate and up-to-date information, some of the information provided is gathered from third parties and has not been independently verified by e-zoomed. While the information from the third party sources is believed to be reliable, no warranty, express or implied, is made by e-zoomed regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of any information. This disclaimer applies to both isolated and aggregate uses of this information.
Featured Articles
The All-Electric MG ZS EV SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The Hyundai Kona Electric SUV: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Tesla Model 3 Saloon: The Complete Guide for Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Porsche Taycan Saloon: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric BMW i3 Hatchback: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read More
The All-Electric Volkswagen ID.3 Hatchback: The Complete Guide For Ireland
Electric Cars: The Basics For those of you new to zero-emission electric driving, we recommend a read of the following articles: Sign up to the e-zoomed Electric Living newsletter…
Read MoreFeatured Products
-
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €3,155.95.€3,075.95Current price is: €3,075.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Best-In-Class Home Solar Bundle Offer (440W Trina Solar 8 Panels + Sungrow Battery Storage 6.4 kWh + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter 3.0 kW): price includes product supply only – free delivery
Original price was: €6,115.95.€5,999.95Current price is: €5,999.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowTrinaSolarCategory:Solar -
Bundle Offer: Sungrow Home Battery Storage (6.4 kWh) + Sungrow Hybrid Inverter (5 KW/ Single-Phase): price includes product only – Free delivery
Original price was: €4,549.95.€4,050.95Current price is: €4,050.95. (Including VAT)Brand:SungrowCategory:Battery Storage -
Untethered Ohme Home EV Charger (7kW): price includes product only – free delivery
Original price was: €780.95.€685.95Current price is: €685.95. (Including VAT)Brand:OhmeCategory:EV Charging PointsCable:Untethered -
Custom-Made 1-Phase EV Charging Cable Type 2 to Type 2 (2m to 45m, 7.4 kW) – Made In Europe – Free Delivery
€219.95 – €645.95 (Including VAT)Category:EV Charging CablesType:Type 2Length (m):5 m10 m6 m15 m20 m2 m25 m30 m35 m40 m45 m3 m7 m8 m12 m18 m22 mCurrent (amp):32 ampPhase:Single Phase (7.4kW)This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
